Launch of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Week 2016

On Wednesday, 12th October Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Week was launched at County Hall,Swords.

The week, which runs from the 24th to the 28th of October, is a collaboration between Fingal County Council and St.Finians School Completion Programme (Applewood Swords),with the aim of creating a conversation about issues surrounding youth mental health. This initiative is particularly timely in Fingal as the county has the fastest growing, and youngest population of any county in the state, and our departments work closely with youth, sports, and community groups to provide supports for our citizens.

The weeks events, which are open to students, their families, friends and staff, include guest talks from Boxer Michael Carruth, Former FAI International Paul McGee, the DCU Sports Department, as well as several speakers from the Faculty, Parents, and Community Representatives. Talks cover mindfulness, setting positive goals, promoting self-esteem, teamwork and supports, wellbeing for educators, and diet and exercise as a pathway to good mental health.

As well as speakers, the week will present an impressive list of events, including the launch of a range of initiatives aimed at promoting positive mental health in the school, a 5km Fun Run, and school events.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive, Fingal County Council, Paul Reid commented “ Youth Mental Health is such an important issue, and one which we take seriously in Fingal. Our Local Economic and Community Plan focuses on Wellbeing and Social Inclusion, with a specific objective on addressing mental health issues by continuing to support and grow community based initiatives throughout the county, and to tailor these services to our young population and their needs.“

For more information on the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative please contact Pat Lane, Community Officer, Fingal County Council, by email at pat.lane@fingal.ieor by telephone at (01) 890 6725.